ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIRO..CY..TRBGCZEEHUPLSK..HRIS..MTNO........................*JDIM360 Ver 2.41 (21 Oct 2013) - 2100000/02106246EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATIONB120140521EP08701738.0200801042009080320130626enenen070049520070111GB20140521201421200910072009412014052120142120131217

A61C 7/20 20060101AFI20080730BHEP

A61C 7/04 20060101ALI20080730BHEP

deSicherungselement für kieferorthopädische Drähte und Zange zum Anbringen des SicherungselementsenSAFETY ATTACHMENT FOR ORTHODONTIC WIRES AND PLIERS TO APPLY ATTACHMENTfrFIXATION DE SÉCURITÉ POUR ARCS ORTHODONTIQUES ET PRÉCELLES POUR APPLIQUER LA FIXATIONDE-C1- 3 149 544US-A- 5 306 142US-A- 5 910 008US-A1- 2002 076 672Taylor, HelenHighbeech Farm Whitelye CatbrookMonmouthshire NP16 6NPGBTaylor, Helen101051937HT 02Highbeech Farm Whitelye CatbrookMonmouthshire NP16 6NPGBATBEBGCHCYCZDEDKEEESFIFRGBGRHRHUIEISITLILTLULVMCMTNLNOPLPTROSESISKTRGB200800001820080104enWO200808419820080717200829

The invention relates to a safety attachment for orthodontic wires.

Orthodontic braces consist of brackets that are affixed to teeth, and orthodontic wires which will simply be referred to hereinafter as wires for the sake of brevity that attach to those brackets to deliver a controlled force to move and guide the teeth, such that they come into the desired alignment. At the beginning of treatment, the wires used are of small diameter, as small as 0.3mm or less, and are very flexible. As treatment progresses the wires used may be of larger diameter and thus be less flexible.

Using the small diameter wires at the start of treatment in particular poses three problems, as follows.

1. The flexibility of the wires allows them to distort and pull out of the bracket on the last tooth in the dental arch usually a molar, with a tube type of orthodontic bracket.
2. When placing the wires, excess wire is clipped off from behind the last most tooth. Pliers designed to cut and hold the excised wire fragment, so that the fragment can safely be removed from the mouth, can fail to adequately hold very thin wires such that the fragment of wire is dropped in the back of the patient's mouth and it is then difficult to locate and recover.
3. As teeth align during the orthodontic treatment, less length of wire is needed and excess wire protrudes at the back behind the last most tooth. This can occur between appointments with the orthodontist and can cause ulceration to the cheeks of the patient, even if the end of the wire is curved into a loop. In addition, it is difficult to access the wire at the back of the mouth in order to adequately turn it into a loop. Furthermore, modern flexible-alloy wires resist deformation and do not readily accept the imposition of a shape-change, making it difficult to obtain adequate curvature to create a loop that makes the wire safe.

All three problems pose a health risk to orthodontic patients and generate emergency visits which increase the workload of the orthodontist. A solution to these problems is therefore highly desirable.

Document US-A-5 306 142 discloses the most relevant prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety attachment for orthodontic wires and pliers to apply the attachment which mitigate the above described problems.

The invention is defined in claim 1.

Further features of the safety attachment are set out in claims 2 to 8 of the accompanying claims. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in claims 9-14.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there are provided pliers specifically designed for application of a safety attachment according to the first aspect of the invention, the pliers having upper and lower beaks, wherein the upper beak includes means to crimp the safe-end onto an orthodontic wire and the lower beak includes means to retain the safety attachment prior to applying the safe-end to the wire and after application release the safe-end leaving it in place on the wire in the patient's mouth.

Further features of the pliers are set out in claims 10 to 14 of the accompanying claims.

Embodiments of the safety attachment and the pliers will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates the problem to be solved, in (a) side view and (b) back view;
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the safety attachment according to the invention, in (a) top view, (b) end view and (c) side view;
Figure 3 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers used to apply the first embodiment of the safety attachment of Figure 2, (a) in side view closing around the attachment, (b) showing the lower face of the upper beak and (c) showing the upper face of the lower beak;
Figure 4 schematically illustrates the attachment according to the invention in place on the wire after application using the pliers;
Figure 5 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the safety attachment according to the invention, in (a) top view, (b) end view and (c) side view;
Figure 6 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers used to apply the second embodiment of the safety attachment of Figure 5, (a) in side view closing around the attachment, (b) showing the lower face of the upper beak and (c) showing the upper face of the lower beak;
Figure 7 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the safety attachment according to the invention, in (a) bottom view, (b) cross section along line Y-Y of (a), and (c) cross section along line X-X of (a);
Figure 8 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers used to apply the third embodiment of the safety attachment of Figure 7, (a) in end view, (b) in side view, (c) showing the inner face of the upper beak and (d) showing the inner face of the lower beak;
Figure 9 schematically illustrates the third embodiment of a safety attachment according to the invention in place on a wire after application using the pliers;
Figure 10 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of a safety attachment according to the invention in (a) side view and (b) top view;
Figure 11 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of a safety attachment according to the invention in (a) front view and (b) top view;
Figure 12 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers for application of the fourth of fifth embodiments, in (a) end view and (b) side view;
Figure 13 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers for cutting the orthodontic wire to the length required for application of one of the safety attachments;
Figure 14 schematically illustrates beaks of pliers for safe removal of one of the safety attachments, and
Figure 15 schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of a safety attachment according to the invention in (a) top view, (b) bottom view, (c) end view and (d) back view.

Referring first to Figure 1 an orthodontic fixed appliance includes a bracket, called a tube 1 that is affixed to a molar tooth 2. Through this tube 1 passes a wire 3, the protruding portion of which, in the prior art, is then bent at an angle to create a turned end 4 as it emerges from the tube behind the molar tooth. The bending of the wire 3 to create the turned end 4 is designed to do two things. The first is to help prevent the wire 3 from being pulled back forwards through the tube 1 accidentally. The second is that it presents a curved profile of wire 3 rather than a cut and sharp end which might cause trauma to the cheeks of the patient. However, creating an adequate angle to achieve a satisfactory result, especially in small diameter flexible-alloy wires, is difficult. Often the wire 3 still pulls through the tube 1 and sometimes the turned end 4 unbends between appointments so that a sharp end is produced.

Referring now to Figure 2, a first embodiment of the invention will be described. In its initial form a safety attachment A consists of four portions:

a first portion is a safe-end portion 6 which in use is closed around the wire 3 and is left on the wire 3 in the patient's mouth as a safe-end;
a second portion comprises a connecting isthmus 7;
a third portion is a wire-retaining portion 8 which in use is closed around the excised wire fragment, maintaining hold of it so that it can be removed with the pliers, and
a fourth portion is a retaining lug 9, that is retained in the jaws of pliers as will become clear so that the excised fragment can be safely removed from the patient's mouth without danger of being dropped.

When viewed from the end as in Figure 2(b), the safety attachment A resembles a split-shot weight as used in angling, with upper and lower portions 12 and 13 that are connected on one side only by a thin area of metal which acts as a hinge 10. The internal faces 11 of the upper and lower portions 12 and 13 are serrated to increase grip on the wire 3.

When viewed from the side as in Figure 2(c), the division between the upper portion 12 and the lower portion 13 can be seen. The retaining lug 9 and connecting isthmus 7 are positioned level with the upper face 11 b of the lower portion 13.

Referring now to Figure 3, the safety attachment A is applied to the wire 3 using specially designed pliers the upper beak 14 and lower beak 18 of which are shown schematically. The beaks 14, 18 are formed integrally with or secured to arms of pliers in conventional manner to provide the entire tool. The upper beak 14 carries three blades 15, 16 and 17. The first blade 15 is to crimp the wire-retaining portion 8 so that it grips the wire 3. The second blade 16 is to cut through the connecting isthmus 7. The third blade 17 is to crimp the safe-end portion 6 so that it grips the wire 3. The lower beak 18 carries one blade 19 to fit under the connecting isthmus 7 and which is aligned with the second blade 16 of the upper beak 14, this ensures that when the pliers are closed there is a clean cut of both the isthmus 7 and the wire 3. The crimping blades 15 and 17 may be multiple blades and/or broad flat ended blades in order to provide the best crimping action without risk of cutting through the portions 6 and 8 of the safety attachment A.

The lower beak 18 also includes an upstand 20 within which is provided a recess 20a, with an opening 20b facing the blade 19. The recess 20a is shaped for receipt of the retaining lug 9. The lug 9 and recess 20a cooperate to prevent the safety attachment A being accidentally dislodged during use in the patient's mouth, and to ensure that the wire retaining portion 8 and wire fragment are safely removed from the patent's mouth. A bore 21 runs vertically through the upstand 20 from the outer face of the lower beak 18 and the recess 20a. The bore 21 is provided to allow insertion of a dental probe or similar instrument to remove the lug 9 and retained wire fragment following attachment of the safe-end 6 to the wire 3 in the patent's mouth. The lug 9 and retained wire fragment can thus be dropped directly into a secure sharps container in accordance with health and safety procedures.

Referring now to Figure 4 the end result of use of the safety attachment A is illustrated, showing the safe-end 6 in place on the end of the wire 3. The safe-end 6 is shaped to have no sharp edges, that is to be spherical or ovoid or the like, in order to minimise the chances that it can cause any damage to the cheeks of a patient. The safety attachment A can be used for all wires to apply a safe-end 6 as an anti-pull-through device and so as to ensure patients are protected from wire-pokes.

Referring now to Figure 5 a second embodiment of a safety attachment B according to the invention is illustrated with parts common to the first embodiment being like referenced, but with the addition of a "'". The safety attachment B is for use where there is no requirement to remove any of the wire 3, that is the wire 3 is already of the correct length, and thus no wire fragment needs to be retained and removed from the patient's mouth. Thus the safety attachment B simply comprises a safe-end 6' and a retaining lug 9' connected by an isthmus 7', these parts being substantially as previously described with reference to safety attachment A.

Referring now to Figure 6, upper beak 22 and lower beak 25 of pliers designed for application of safety attachment B are illustrated schematically. The upper beak 22 carries only two blades 23 and 24. The first blade 23 is designed to cut through the isthmus 7' but not through the wire 3. The first blade 23 does not extend the full width of the upper beak 23, so as to avoid impinging on the wire 23. The second blade 24, which may be a multiple blade and/or which may be a flat ended broad blade, is designed to crimp the safe-end portion 6 onto the wire 3 so that it is safely retained.

As with the pliers to apply the first embodiment of the safety attachment A, there is a recess 20' in the lower beak 25 to receive the retaining lug 9 and there is a bore 21' to accept a dental probe or similar instrument to facilitate removal of the retaining lug 9 from the pliers after use.

Referring now to Figure 7, a third embodiment of a safety attachment C according to the invention is shown schematically. The safety attachment C comprises a safe-end 6" which has an indentation 26 in its lower surface.

Referring now to Figure 8, upper beak 27 and lower beak 29 of pliers designed for application of safety attachment C are illustrated schematically. The upper beak 27 is provided with two blades 28 designed to crimp the safe-end 6" onto the wire 3. The lower beak 29 carries a protrusion 30, running parallel to and between the blades 28 on the upper beak 27. Retention of the safety attachment C on the pliers is provided by friction between the protrusion 30 and the indentation 26, because they are an interference fit. Preferably the interference fit is only provided in direction Y-Y or direction X-X and not both directions. This is to ensure that there is sufficient freedom between the pliers and the safe-end 6" after application to the wire 3 to allow release of the pliers from the safe-end 6".

Referring now to Figure 9, the shape of the safe-end 6"after application to the wire 3 is illustrated. As can be seen the use of two blades 28 with a protrusion 30 there between has deformed both the safe-end 6" and the wire 3. This deformation of the wire 3 further assists retention of the safe-end 6" on the wire 3 and makes pull through even less likely to occur.

Referring now to Figure 10, a fourth embodiment of a safety attachment D according to the invention is shown schematically. The safety attachment D comprises a safe-end 6''', but being a simplified version of safety attachment C does not have an indentation in its lower surface.

Referring to Figure 11, a fifth embodiment of a safety attachment E according to the invention is shown schematically. The safety attachment E comprises a safe-end 6"", which has a groove 38 running along its upper surface.

Referring to Figure 15, a sixth embodiment of a safety attachment F according to the invention is shown schematically. The safety attachment F comprises a safe-end 6''''' which has a groove 38 running along its upper surface and a ridge extending along its lower surface, the groove 38 and the ridge 40 running substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the hinge 10 joining the upper and lower portions 12, 13. The ridge 40 is provided to assist in retaining the safety attachment F in the beaks of pliers when it is being fitted in a patient's mouth.

Referring to Figure 12, upper beak 39 and lower beak 41 of pliers designed for application of safety attachment D, E or F are illustrated schematically. The upper beak 39 has a blade 40 on its midline designed to crimp the safety attachment onto an orthodontic wire 3, but also to engage in the groove 38 when being used to fit safety attachment E or F. The lower beak 41 is shaped, with extensions 42 and a central recess 44, so as to accept safety attachment D, E or F and support it during insertion into the mouth, whilst also permitting deformation of the safety attachment D, E or F during crimping.

The clinical procedures for placing a safety attachment A, B, C, D, E or F are as follows.

The chosen safety attachment is inserted into the lower beak of the respective pliers, and retained as described above. The upper beak of the pliers is closed gently onto the safety attachment to further secure it. It is then possible to safely transfer the safety attachment, in the pliers, into the mouth of the patient without risk of the safety attachment being dislodged or dropped within the oral cavity even if the pliers are inverted during insertion. This permits safe use in all four corners of the mouth.

The pliers are constructed with an angle of between 80° and 145° between the beaks and the handles (not shown) so as to facilitate access to the wire protruding from the tube on the last most tooth. The safety attachment, having its hinge part 10 to the hinge of the pliers (not shown) and offering its open aspect to the outside of the pliers, is placed over the wire until the wire is hard up to the hinge part 10 of the safety attachment. The handles of the pliers are then squeezed together firmly. This action crimps the safety attachment onto the wire and, for attachments A and B also clips through the retaining lug 9 or 9' so as to allow the pliers to be removed, leaving the safe end 6, 6', 6", 6''', 6'''' or 6''''' on the wire.

Referring now to Figure 13, beaks of pliers designed to clip the protruding portion of the wire 3 to a specific length such that, when a selected safety attachment, as previously described, is applied the sharp end of the wire will be safely enclosed within the safe end thereof. The pliers have upper and lower beaks 31, which each carry first blades 32 and second blades 33, which are opposed to the corresponding blades on the other beak 31. The first blades 32 are longer than the second blades 33, such that the first blades 32 sever the wire whilst the second blades 33 retain the excised fragment for safe removal from the patient's mouth. Faces 31a of the beaks 31are placed against the rear of the last most tooth during the cutting process and plain section 34 of the beaks 31 acts as a spacer to ensure that the wire 3 is cut so as to leave the correct length of protruding portion behind the last most tooth.

Referring now to Figure 14, beaks of pliers, designed for removal of the safety attachment when it is no longer required and for its safe removal from the mouth, are illustrated. Upper and lower beaks 35 each include a blade 36 for cutting the wire 3 immediately behind the last most tooth, and a recess 37 for receipt of the safe end being removed. As the blades 36 cut the wire the remainder of each beak 35 receives and grips the safe end with the previously protruding portion of the wire embedded in it, retaining it for safe removal from the patient's mouth.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

A safety attachment specifically designed for application to orthodontic wire in the mouth of a patient, the safety attachment comprising a safe-end portion (6) to be crimped onto the orthodontic wire (3), which once in place on the wire has no sharp edges, wherein it comprises upper and lower portions secured to each other by a hinge (10) being formed by an isthmus connecting the upper and lower portions.

A safety attachment according to Claim 1 wherein it further includes means for retention by application pliers.

A safety attachment according to Claim 2 wherein the means for retention by application pliers comprises an indentation or a protrusion on the underside of the attachment or on the upperside of the attachment.

A safety attachment according to Claim 3 wherein the means for retention by application pliers comprises a lug.

A safety attachment according to Claim 4 wherein the lug is secured to the safe-end portion by an isthmus.

A safety attachment according to Claim 4 wherein it further comprises a wire fragment retaining portion to be crimped onto the end of the wire for retention of a fragment cut from the end of the wire during the application process.

A safety attachment according to Claim 6 wherein a wire fragment retaining portion is secured on one side to the safe-end portion by an isthmus and on the other side to the lug.

A safety attachment according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper and lower portions have opposing faces one or both of which is textured to assist in retaining it on the orthodontic wire once crimped.

A system comprising a safety attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and pliers specifically designed for application of the safety attachment, the pliers having upper and lower beaks, wherein the upper beak includes means to crimp the safe-end onto an orthodontic wire and the lower beak includes means to retain the safety attachment prior to applying the safe-end to the wire and after application release the safe-end leaving it in place on the wire in the patient's mouth.

A system according to Claim 9 as dependent upon Claim 3 wherein the means to retain the safety attachment comprises a protrusion which provides an interference fit with the indentation on the underside or upperside of the attachment.

A system according to Claim 10 wherein the interference fit is only provided in one direction and not two.

A system according to Claim 10 as dependent upon Claim 6 wherein the upper beak includes means to crimp the wire fragment retaining portion on to the wire.

A system according to Claim 9 as dependent upon Claim 4 or 5 wherein the lower beak includes a recess for receipt of the lug of the safety attachment.

A system comprising a safety attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and pliers specifically designed for removal from the mouth of a patient a safety attachment, said pliers having upper and lower beaks each having a cutting blade and a safe end retaining portion in the form of a recess.

Ein Sicherungselement, das speziell zum Anbringen an kieferorthopädischem Draht im Mund eines Patienten ausgelegt ist, wobei das Sicherungselement einen Sicherungsendabschnitt (6) zum Crimpen auf den kieferorthopädischen Draht (3) umfasst, der nach dem Positionieren auf dem Draht keine scharfen Kanten aufweist, wobei er obere und untere Abschnitte umfasst, die durch ein Gelenk (10), das durch eine den oberen und unteren Abschnitt miteinander verbindende Verengung gebildet wird, aneinander gesichert sind.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 1, wobei es ferner Mittel zum Halten mit einer Anbringungszange beinhaltet.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Mittel zum Halten mit einer Anbringungszange eine Vertiefung oder einen Vorsprung auf der Unterseite des Elements oder auf der Oberseite des Elements umfasst.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Mittel zum Halten mit einer Anbringungszange einen Ansatz umfasst.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Ansatz durch eine Verengung am Sicherungsendabschnitt gesichert wird.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 4, wobei es ferner einen Drahtstück-Halteabschnitt umfasst, der auf das Ende des Drahtes gecrimpt wird, um ein Stück zu halten, das während des Anbringungsvorgangs vom Ende des Drahtes abgeschnitten wird.

Ein Sicherungselement nach Anspruch 6, wobei ein Drahtstück-Halteabschnitt auf einer Seite am Sicherungsendabschnitt durch eine Verengung und auf der anderen Seite am Ansatz gesichert wird.

Ein Sicherungselement nach einem beliebigen der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei der obere und der untere Abschnitt gegenüberliegende Vorderseiten aufweisen, wobei eine oder beide davon texturiert ist bzw. sind, um dabei zu helfen, dass es nach dem Crimpen am kieferorthopädischen Draht gehalten wird.

Ein System umfassend ein Sicherungselement nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 und eine Zange, die speziell zum Anbringen des Sicherungselements ausgelegt ist, wobei die Zange einen oberen und einen unteren Schnabel aufweist, wobei der obere Schnabel Mittel zum Crimpen des Sicherungsendes auf einen kieferorthopädischen Draht beinhaltet und der untere Schnabel Mittel zum Halten des Sicherungselements vor dem Anbringen des Sicherungsendes am Draht beinhaltet und sie nach dem Anbringen das Sicherungsende freigeben und es im Mund des Patienten auf dem Draht in Position belassen.

Ein System nach Anspruch 9 soweit von Anspruch 3 abhängig, wobei das Mittel zum Halten des Sicherungselements einen Vorsprung umfasst, der für eine Presspassung mit der Vertiefung auf der Unterseite oder Oberseite des Elements sorgt.

Ein System nach Anspruch 10, wobei für die Presspassung nur in einer Richtung und nicht zwei gesorgt wird.

Ein System nach Anspruch 10 soweit von Anspruch 6 abhängig, wobei der obere Schnabel Mittel zum Crimpen des Drahtstück-Halteabschnitts auf den Draht beinhaltet.

Ein System nach Anspruch 9 soweit von Anspruch 4 oder 5 abhängig, wobei der untere Schnabel eine Aussparung zur Aufnahme des Ansatzes des Sicherungselements beinhaltet.

Ein System umfassend ein Sicherungselement nach einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 und eine Zange, die speziell zum Entfernen eines Sicherungselements aus dem Mund eines Patienten ausgelegt ist, wobei besagte Zange einen oberen und einen unteren Schnabel jeweils mit einem Schneidmesser und einem Sicherungsende-Halteabschnitt in Form einer Aussparung aufweist.

Fixation de sécurité spécialement conçue à des fins d'application sur un arc orthodontique dans la bouche d'un patient, la fixation de sécurité comportant une partie d'extrémité sûre (6) devant être sertie sur l'arc orthodontique (3), qui, une fois en place sur l'arc, n'a pas de bords vifs, dans laquelle elle comporte des parties supérieure et inférieure assujetties l'une par rapport à l'autre par une articulation (10) formée par un isthme raccordant les parties supérieure et inférieure.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle elle comprend en outre un moyen de retenue par des précelles d'application.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle le moyen de retenue par des précelles d'application comporte une indentation ou une partie saillante sur la partie inférieure de la fixation ou sur la partie supérieure de la fixation.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le moyen de retenue par des précelles d'application comporte un tenon.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle le tenon est assujetti au niveau de la partie d'extrémité sûre par un isthme.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle elle comporte en outre une partie de retenue de fragment de l'arc devant être sertie sur l'extrémité de l'arc à des fins de retenue d'un fragment découpé au niveau de l'extrémité de l'arc au cours du processus d'application.

Fixation de sécurité selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle une partie de retenue de fragment de l'arc est assujettie d'un côté sur la partie d'extrémité sûre par un isthme et de l'autre côté sur le tenon.

Fixation de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les parties supérieure et inférieure ont des faces opposées dont l'une ou les deux est/sont texturée/s pour faciliter leur retenue sur l'arc orthodontique une fois serties.

Système comportant une fixation de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 et des précelles spécialement conçues à des fins d'application de la fixation de sécurité, les précelles ayant des becs supérieur et inférieur, dans lequel le bec supérieur comprend des moyens de sertissage de l'extrémité sûre sur un arc orthodontique et le bec inférieur comprend un moyen permettant de retenir la fixation de sécurité avant l'application de l'extrémité sûre sur l'arc et permettant, après l'application, de relâcher l'extrémité sûre afin de la laisser en place sur l'arc dans la bouche du patient.

Système selon la revendication 9 dépendante de la revendication 3, dans lequel le moyen de retenue de la fixation de sécurité comporte une partie saillante qui fournit un ajustement avec serrage avec l'indentation sur la partie inférieure ou sur la partie supérieure de la fixation.

Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel l'ajustement avec serrage est fourni uniquement dans une direction et non pas dans deux directions.

Système selon la revendication 10 dépendante de la revendication 6, dans lequel le bec supérieur comprend un moyen permettant de sertir la partie de retenue de fragment de l'arc on sur l'arc.

Système selon la revendication 9 dépendante de la revendication 4 ou de la revendication 5, dans lequel le bec inférieur comprend un évidement à des fins de retenue du tenon de la fixation de sécurité.

Système comportant une fixation de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 et des précelles spécialement conçues à des fins de retrait, en provenance de la bouche d'un patient, d'une fixation de sécurité, lesdites précelles ayant des becs supérieur et inférieur ayant chacun une lame tranchante et une partie de retenue d'extrémité sûre sous la forme d'un évidement.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

US5306142A[0005]